Here’s to spotty brown leaves: making meaning in a changing climate

I went for a walk with my son today. We do this almost every day. It's a gorgeous day, sunny and unseasonably warm. The leaves are changing and falling. Some of the trees—enough to be quite noticeable—aren't changing their usual fiery colors. The maples in our yard have gone yellow with brown spots. They say … Continue reading Here’s to spotty brown leaves: making meaning in a changing climate →

2021: year of the mushroom

Our seasons aren't quite what they used to be, here in New England. June of 2021 was the wettest on record in my region, and quite cool. We had a couple of stretches of days in the 90s in May. I'm never sure when summer ends and fall begins, now. With weather consistently in the … Continue reading 2021: year of the mushroom →

One year of knitting: my pandemic panacea

If you'd rather skip my write-up and go straight for the good stuff, scroll down. We mostly just want to see the pictures, right? Also, I'm still not certain about the past tense of the word "knit" and at this point, I'm too afraid to ask. As I mentioned in my last blog post several … Continue reading One year of knitting: my pandemic panacea →

How I learned to love slow knitting

When I first started knitting and crocheting, and for many years afterward, quick projects were delicious to me. I enjoyed the feeling of satisfaction and relief when I completed a project. I like finishing things. I don't like putting them down, or waiting, or being patient. And I most certainly do not like boredom. But … Continue reading How I learned to love slow knitting →

My library fan art

Throughout the pandemic, I've been doing little art and craft projects here and there, usually while my son is napping. It's relaxing, gives me something productive and fun to focus on, and prevents me from doing too many physically strenuous things that make my CFS worse. I've always been a dabbler in drawing and painting. … Continue reading My library fan art →

This is not the greatest finger paint recipe in the world—this is just a tribute

If you were excited about the prospect of this entire post being a craft-related parallel to Tenacious D's "Tribute," then I'm sorry to disappoint you. So, finger paint. I've found a lot of finger paint recipes online, most of which instruct you to mix cornstarch and water. Some are just cornstarch mixed with water and … Continue reading This is not the greatest finger paint recipe in the world—this is just a tribute →

Life during the pandemic, plus local resources

Here I am, back into blogging. All it took was a global pandemic, having a child, and a reduction in my free time. Not in that exact order. Pardon the typos and less-than-refined writing---these posts will be unedited and unplanned (and uncensored...*gasp*). Right now, I could be doing the dishes that my toddler won't let … Continue reading Life during the pandemic, plus local resources →

Buying second-hand in the Pioneer Valley: a review of local shops

I'd like to say that my love of thrift shopping stems entirely from eco-friendly, frugal, and charitable intentions, but I have to admit: it's also just really fun to hunt for treasures in places where every individual piece feels one-of-a-kind. My home region, the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, is rich with thrift shops, antique … Continue reading Buying second-hand in the Pioneer Valley: a review of local shops →